Almora |
Once known for its abundant traditional water springs known as Naulas, the town of Almora is now witnessing the gradual disappearance of these vital cultural and natural heritage sites. Once the lifeline of the region, only a few of these ancient water sources remain today. In a renewed effort to preserve them, local councillors and youth have stepped forward, pledging to restore and protect these springs.
Municipal councillor Amit Sah ‘Monu’ shared that a weekly drive has been initiated to clean one Naula every week, with the goal of ensuring their regular maintenance thereafter. He recalled that Almora once had hundreds of Naulas which served as the primary source of pure drinking water for the town. However, many have now vanished due to neglect and encroachment.
> “These Naulas are a part of our cultural heritage,” said Councillor Amit Sah. “Preserving them is not just about saving a water source — it is about passing on a valuable legacy to future generations.”
Crucial During Times of Crisis
Highlighting their importance, Sah explained that during monsoons, when silt clogs reservoirs and disrupts the water supply in town, these traditional springs come to the rescue by providing much-needed drinking water. Furthermore, Naulas hold significant religious value in Hindu traditions, especially as the site for post-death rituals carried out during the 12-day mourning period.
NGO ‘Hisalu’ Joins the Campaign
The campaign has also gained support from environmental NGO ‘Hisalu’, which works on water conservation. Krishna Singh from the organization emphasized that Naulas are invaluable gifts of nature and that preserving them is a collective moral duty.
> “Every community should take responsibility for the care and cleanliness of their local Naulas. Keeping them clean and functional is essential for both ecological balance and cultural continuity,” Singh said.
A Sustained Effort, Not a One-Time Drive
Councillor Sah stressed that the initiative is not a one-off event, but a continuing campaign. This week, a Naula located between the rural and urban boundary near Pandekhola Bypass was cleaned as part of the drive.
The clean-up drive witnessed the enthusiastic participation of councillor Amit Sah ‘Monu’, Krishna Singh from Hisalu, and several local volunteers including Satish Upadhyay, Umesh Nayal, Anunay Pandey, and Atul Pandey. All participants collectively pledged to expand and sustain the conservation campaign.
